Underworld connections

Johnson, David (2005) Underworld connections. Biologist, 52 (3). pp. 155-160. ISSN 0006-3347

Abstract

For many, mycorrhizal fungi are a little known group of organisms responsible only for the production of colourful mushrooms that abound in woodlands. However, the roots of virtually all land plants, from the Tropics to the Poles form underground connections with mycorrhizal mycelium. But what exactly do these fungi do for plants, what do plants do for the fungi and how important is the symbiosis for ecosystem functioning?